Understanding the Characteristics of Water Damage

Understanding the Characteristics of Water Damage

Regardless of the cause, we can rapidly recognize and act upon the signs of water damage to your property and its contents. After addressing the cause of the problem, we will promptly remove any salvageable materials before carrying out emergency repairs and working closely with insurance companies to help ensure a seamless transition back to normalcy.

If your residential or commercial property has been affected by water damage, it is essential that you call us immediately. Moving water caused by a flood or a burst pipe can spread quickly throughout the building, permanently staining things like carpets, upholstery, books and records. Items such as wooden furniture can swell, with individual components even disintegrating, and unprotected metal surfaces can also be permanently tarnished. For this reason among others, water should be removed as soon as possible.

Long-term effects of water damage include a development of bacteria and mold and the associated unpleasant odor and increased risk of allergens. If left unattended, structural damage to the property may also occur in the form of warping and splitting frames, windows and doors. However, our team addressing the problem within the first few hours will greatly help reduce the degree of permanent damage and the consequent increased restoration costs.

In some cases, water damage might not be immediately apparent, and may only be characterized by an unpleasant odor or growth of microbial organisms on surfaces around the affected area. Even a small leak can cause severe damage if it is not dealt with in a timely manner.

Dealing with Wet Environments

The first step in dealing with flood damage and other water damage is to ensure that the area is properly dried. We use high-volume desiccant dehumidifiers to force dry air into these damp environments minimizing the risk of further damage. Prior to dehumidification, we will identify the source of the water intrusion, determine the level of contamination and begin making repairs. By removing water from the property, the potential for mold growth is mitigated. As water evaporates either by force or naturally, it is important to lower the humidity of the air of a damaged home or facility. By using dehumidification, we are able to remove moisture from the air, working to halt the damage caused by water to various components of the building.